Aug 2011
Preparation for Eternity
28/08/11 09:09
As I am
writing this, the East Coast is preparing for the
first hurricane to hit American soil in three years.
Hurricane Irene has set North Carolina in her sights
and should arrive by Saturday morning. Preparations
are being made now! People are exiling inland,
beaches are being as secured as possible and houses
are being boarded up. The anticipation of death and
destruction is flooding the minds of all who are in
the projected path of the storm. So, the wisest thing
to do is – prepare.
I wonder what all is involved in something like this? It’s not as though you would be leaving for a couple days of vacation; it would entail more than just making sure the coffee pot was unplugged. When I saw a news clip of the empty store shelves, people being turned away who wanted to buy flashlights, plywood and the like, my mind raced to the parable of the ten virgins who heard the cry, “Behold, the bridegroom cometh!”
Five of the ten virgins were ready and prepared; five were foolish and needed to go buy oil for their lamps. While they were gone to buy the oil the five went into the wedding banquet and the door was shut; the foolish were left out in the darkness where there was weeping and gnashing of teeth. It would be a sad thing to have to face; they could have enjoyed the wedding and the Bridegroom – if only they had prepared.
This is what Jesus taught more than anything – prepare for eternity. In this post-modern age of evangelism there is an emphasis placed on the here and now, with the benefit of heaven later. But, sadly, because the emphasis is on the here and now, people are not preparing for the later.
In a sense, the Gospel message I see being preached by many is, “Accept Jesus, and He will bless your life now.” Though this is certainly true, if we associated His blessing with just the here and now, we will fail to see what His real blessings are!
They are not so much as nice homes, secure employment, health and prosperity; as they are of the inward manner, character, faith and hope. Someone once said that a person who has a little unforgiveness in their heart today, might end up with a lot of bitterness later on. So, the question remains; what would an eternity of bitterness be like – it would be hell –exactly!
In the Bible, God had spoken of the five virgins who had not prepared as foolish. He also says the same of the man who thought only of storing up his riches for the here and now in the same manner. To have the mind of Christ here, we must conclude that if we live our lives in a manner of the philosophy, “I want it all and I want it now!” we too, are being foolish.
There is an old story of a king of bygone days and his ‘clown’ or ‘jester’, who sometimes said very foolish things and sometimes made very wise utterances. One day the jester had said something so foolish that the king, handing him a staff, said to him, “Take this, and keep it until you find a bigger fool than yourself.”
Some years later, the king was very ill and lay on his deathbed. His courtiers were called; his family and servants also stood around the bedside. The king, addressing them, said, “I am about to leave you. And I am going on a very long journey, and shall not return again to this place; so I have called you all here to say ‘Goodbye’.” Then his jester stepped forward and, addressing the king, said, “Your Majesty, may I ask a question?
When you have journeyed abroad visiting your people, staying with your nobles, or paying diplomatic visits to other courts, your heralds and servants have always gone before you, making preparations for you. May I ask what preparations your Majesty has made for this long journey that he is about to take?”
“Alas!” replied the king, “I have made no preparations.”
“Then,” said the jester, “take this staff with you, for now I have found a bigger fool than myself.”
Have a great week!
Pastor Jim
I wonder what all is involved in something like this? It’s not as though you would be leaving for a couple days of vacation; it would entail more than just making sure the coffee pot was unplugged. When I saw a news clip of the empty store shelves, people being turned away who wanted to buy flashlights, plywood and the like, my mind raced to the parable of the ten virgins who heard the cry, “Behold, the bridegroom cometh!”
Five of the ten virgins were ready and prepared; five were foolish and needed to go buy oil for their lamps. While they were gone to buy the oil the five went into the wedding banquet and the door was shut; the foolish were left out in the darkness where there was weeping and gnashing of teeth. It would be a sad thing to have to face; they could have enjoyed the wedding and the Bridegroom – if only they had prepared.
This is what Jesus taught more than anything – prepare for eternity. In this post-modern age of evangelism there is an emphasis placed on the here and now, with the benefit of heaven later. But, sadly, because the emphasis is on the here and now, people are not preparing for the later.
In a sense, the Gospel message I see being preached by many is, “Accept Jesus, and He will bless your life now.” Though this is certainly true, if we associated His blessing with just the here and now, we will fail to see what His real blessings are!
They are not so much as nice homes, secure employment, health and prosperity; as they are of the inward manner, character, faith and hope. Someone once said that a person who has a little unforgiveness in their heart today, might end up with a lot of bitterness later on. So, the question remains; what would an eternity of bitterness be like – it would be hell –exactly!
In the Bible, God had spoken of the five virgins who had not prepared as foolish. He also says the same of the man who thought only of storing up his riches for the here and now in the same manner. To have the mind of Christ here, we must conclude that if we live our lives in a manner of the philosophy, “I want it all and I want it now!” we too, are being foolish.
There is an old story of a king of bygone days and his ‘clown’ or ‘jester’, who sometimes said very foolish things and sometimes made very wise utterances. One day the jester had said something so foolish that the king, handing him a staff, said to him, “Take this, and keep it until you find a bigger fool than yourself.”
Some years later, the king was very ill and lay on his deathbed. His courtiers were called; his family and servants also stood around the bedside. The king, addressing them, said, “I am about to leave you. And I am going on a very long journey, and shall not return again to this place; so I have called you all here to say ‘Goodbye’.” Then his jester stepped forward and, addressing the king, said, “Your Majesty, may I ask a question?
When you have journeyed abroad visiting your people, staying with your nobles, or paying diplomatic visits to other courts, your heralds and servants have always gone before you, making preparations for you. May I ask what preparations your Majesty has made for this long journey that he is about to take?”
“Alas!” replied the king, “I have made no preparations.”
“Then,” said the jester, “take this staff with you, for now I have found a bigger fool than myself.”
Have a great week!
Pastor Jim
|
Julie Green is a Princess
21/08/11 20:07
Julie
Green is a princess in my book! She took part in the
Canal Days Princess contest this last week where she
took first place for the Spirit Award and won a
trophy to show for it! Applause and cheers to you,
young lady; we are very proud of you!
The Spirit Award was given to the young lady who showed the most enthusiasm and over-all best attitude during the grueling week of the contest. This was her first attempt at this sort of thing and I think her award is fantastic; it speaks volumes to me as far as her Christian upbringing.
I have watched her throughout her whole life as she grew up between the Church pews. She always has a smile on her face and a bounce in her step –she brings a joyous lift to my life and for that, young lady, I pray God blesses you over and over again!
Julie had quite a week studying and preparing for the contest while learning to be God’s super hero during Vacation Bible School. Even though she had to miss a couple of days because of her commitments in the contest, she made it back to VBS as soon as possible on Thursday to be with her buddies at Church! Kudos!
Well, the contest was held last Friday night and our girl took home the trophy that counted! In my opinion, the Spirit Award revealed the true winner and I am very proud to know that it was our Julie Green.
The contestants were judged on a number of things, including a written essay and oral exam; Julie had to answer a question from the judges that she only received right there on stage! Ugh! Who would want to put themselves in that position? But there is more; Julie is number one in my book, because in essence she said, “Here, let me put myself in front of you all, and you can judge me.” Again, who of us would do something like that?
We go through life making decisions and behaving in a certain way. One thing is for certain; we don’t want anyone judging us for what we do, look like, or even think. There is this “unspeakable” law that states no one has a right to judge you.
But we hide behind the curtain of pride and oftentimes we “twist” the truth about ourselves, so as to give no possibility for judging. We tell one another our high morals, but never, ever put ourselves on display as to what we really think! Ouch!
Preacher can’t you just leave it alone? But think about it for a minute. Have you ever spoken kind words to someone during the day, only to “cut” them to pieces with your own personal feelings later on? Have you ever made a “legitimate” reason for not being able to keep a commitment, when in reality –you just didn’t “feel” like doing it?
I want people to think I’m a nice guy, that I’m patient, kind and truthful. I want people to think that I love God and that I am honest and sincere. I want people to think I am an all around neat fellow -- but if I am one way in front of the public, and another way in my private life, then I have to admit, that I am hiding behind the curtain of pride and I am afraid of your judgment.
So you see, I admire Julie Green for placing herself in that position to be judged by others –it shows not only a courageous spirit, but an open one as well. So, “hats off” to you Miss Julie Green –God used you this last week in wonderful ways. You taught me to be more open, to place myself in the same “vulnerability” of judgment. You reminded me that even though I might hide from other’s judgments, my life and heart is an open book before His eyes. You allowed me to reexamine my public life, so as to make sure it aligns with my private one. By watching you place yourself in full view of man’s eyes, you gave me the courage to do the same.
“Live such good lives among the pagans that, though they accuse you of doing wrong, they may see your good deeds and glorify God on the day he visits us.” 1Peter 2:12
Have a great week!
Pastor Jim
The Spirit Award was given to the young lady who showed the most enthusiasm and over-all best attitude during the grueling week of the contest. This was her first attempt at this sort of thing and I think her award is fantastic; it speaks volumes to me as far as her Christian upbringing.
I have watched her throughout her whole life as she grew up between the Church pews. She always has a smile on her face and a bounce in her step –she brings a joyous lift to my life and for that, young lady, I pray God blesses you over and over again!
Julie had quite a week studying and preparing for the contest while learning to be God’s super hero during Vacation Bible School. Even though she had to miss a couple of days because of her commitments in the contest, she made it back to VBS as soon as possible on Thursday to be with her buddies at Church! Kudos!
Well, the contest was held last Friday night and our girl took home the trophy that counted! In my opinion, the Spirit Award revealed the true winner and I am very proud to know that it was our Julie Green.
The contestants were judged on a number of things, including a written essay and oral exam; Julie had to answer a question from the judges that she only received right there on stage! Ugh! Who would want to put themselves in that position? But there is more; Julie is number one in my book, because in essence she said, “Here, let me put myself in front of you all, and you can judge me.” Again, who of us would do something like that?
We go through life making decisions and behaving in a certain way. One thing is for certain; we don’t want anyone judging us for what we do, look like, or even think. There is this “unspeakable” law that states no one has a right to judge you.
But we hide behind the curtain of pride and oftentimes we “twist” the truth about ourselves, so as to give no possibility for judging. We tell one another our high morals, but never, ever put ourselves on display as to what we really think! Ouch!
Preacher can’t you just leave it alone? But think about it for a minute. Have you ever spoken kind words to someone during the day, only to “cut” them to pieces with your own personal feelings later on? Have you ever made a “legitimate” reason for not being able to keep a commitment, when in reality –you just didn’t “feel” like doing it?
I want people to think I’m a nice guy, that I’m patient, kind and truthful. I want people to think that I love God and that I am honest and sincere. I want people to think I am an all around neat fellow -- but if I am one way in front of the public, and another way in my private life, then I have to admit, that I am hiding behind the curtain of pride and I am afraid of your judgment.
So you see, I admire Julie Green for placing herself in that position to be judged by others –it shows not only a courageous spirit, but an open one as well. So, “hats off” to you Miss Julie Green –God used you this last week in wonderful ways. You taught me to be more open, to place myself in the same “vulnerability” of judgment. You reminded me that even though I might hide from other’s judgments, my life and heart is an open book before His eyes. You allowed me to reexamine my public life, so as to make sure it aligns with my private one. By watching you place yourself in full view of man’s eyes, you gave me the courage to do the same.
“Live such good lives among the pagans that, though they accuse you of doing wrong, they may see your good deeds and glorify God on the day he visits us.” 1Peter 2:12
Have a great week!
Pastor Jim
It’s Heart Revealing!
14/08/11 20:10
When I
was in school and it came time to show my parents my
grade card they were interested enough in the grades
I received for math, reading and spelling; but what
my dad focused on was the two side remarks apart from
the grades.
These were, my conduct and effort; and these two remarks spoke volumes to him. And, if these were below “good” then he spoke volumes to me! It was my conduct and effort that told my dad if I had put my all into my education for the semester in question.
I am sure you have heard of people who “put their heart into their work.” Art critics will tell us that such and such painting is definitely the heart of so-n-so artist, because he put all of himself into it.
When people love what they are doing, they put their all into it. This is why I am so impressed with Jesus Christ –He put His all into our salvation. His effort and conduct; beyond good! Pilate graded Him just before His death; he look into His life and said, “I find no fault in this Man!” Jesus’ heart was revealed throughout His ministry. He exhausted Himself time and again, and when He went to relax, the crowd of needs followed Him there:
“The apostles gathered around Jesus and reported to him all they had done and taught. Then, because so many people were coming and going that they did not even have a chance to eat, he said to them, ‘Come with me by yourselves to a quiet place and get some rest.” So they went away by themselves in a boat to a solitary place. But many who saw them leaving recognized them and ran on foot from all the towns and got there ahead of them. When Jesus land and saw a large crowd, he had compassion on them, because they were like sheep without a shepherd. So he began teaching them many things.” Mark 6:30-34
Jesus never quit! He put His effort, all of Himself, His whole heart, everything, into the life God gave Him. David prophesized: “Sacrifice and offering you did not desire, but a body you have prepared for me; burnt offerings and sin offerings you did not require. Then I said, ‘Here I am, I have come –it is written about me in the scroll. I desire to do your will, O my God; your law is within my heart.’” Ps.40:6-8
Jesus came to do the will of the Father and He applied all of His strength and might to just that. Jesus revealed His heart for God and mankind in everything He did. He never gave up and while He was on the Cross.
He cried out, “It is finished!” He did not mean all His work was finished, but only that which concerned the judgment of sin and the defeat of the devil and the grave.
While Jesus was breathing His last, He realized that He was now going to enter death –but He knew that He had finished what God wanted Him to do –so, He said, “Father, into Your hands, I commit My Spirit.”
In other words, Jesus was saying, “Okay Lord, I gave it my all. I did Your will and now I am counting on You to do Your part.” Three days later –Jesus arose from the grave!
Death could not hold Him; corruption could not touch Him! His Father would be faithful. Then, even after all this, Jesus went to heaven with the heart to sit at the right hand of God to intercede on our behalf.
He is up in heaven praying. He’s not up there “kicking back,” waiting around, biding His time; He is pouring His heart out to the Father in prayer, for our good! O, what a Savior! O, what a heart! If you ever question what God may think of you –look at the heart of Jesus!
Have a great week!
Pastor Jim
These were, my conduct and effort; and these two remarks spoke volumes to him. And, if these were below “good” then he spoke volumes to me! It was my conduct and effort that told my dad if I had put my all into my education for the semester in question.
I am sure you have heard of people who “put their heart into their work.” Art critics will tell us that such and such painting is definitely the heart of so-n-so artist, because he put all of himself into it.
When people love what they are doing, they put their all into it. This is why I am so impressed with Jesus Christ –He put His all into our salvation. His effort and conduct; beyond good! Pilate graded Him just before His death; he look into His life and said, “I find no fault in this Man!” Jesus’ heart was revealed throughout His ministry. He exhausted Himself time and again, and when He went to relax, the crowd of needs followed Him there:
“The apostles gathered around Jesus and reported to him all they had done and taught. Then, because so many people were coming and going that they did not even have a chance to eat, he said to them, ‘Come with me by yourselves to a quiet place and get some rest.” So they went away by themselves in a boat to a solitary place. But many who saw them leaving recognized them and ran on foot from all the towns and got there ahead of them. When Jesus land and saw a large crowd, he had compassion on them, because they were like sheep without a shepherd. So he began teaching them many things.” Mark 6:30-34
Jesus never quit! He put His effort, all of Himself, His whole heart, everything, into the life God gave Him. David prophesized: “Sacrifice and offering you did not desire, but a body you have prepared for me; burnt offerings and sin offerings you did not require. Then I said, ‘Here I am, I have come –it is written about me in the scroll. I desire to do your will, O my God; your law is within my heart.’” Ps.40:6-8
Jesus came to do the will of the Father and He applied all of His strength and might to just that. Jesus revealed His heart for God and mankind in everything He did. He never gave up and while He was on the Cross.
He cried out, “It is finished!” He did not mean all His work was finished, but only that which concerned the judgment of sin and the defeat of the devil and the grave.
While Jesus was breathing His last, He realized that He was now going to enter death –but He knew that He had finished what God wanted Him to do –so, He said, “Father, into Your hands, I commit My Spirit.”
In other words, Jesus was saying, “Okay Lord, I gave it my all. I did Your will and now I am counting on You to do Your part.” Three days later –Jesus arose from the grave!
Death could not hold Him; corruption could not touch Him! His Father would be faithful. Then, even after all this, Jesus went to heaven with the heart to sit at the right hand of God to intercede on our behalf.
He is up in heaven praying. He’s not up there “kicking back,” waiting around, biding His time; He is pouring His heart out to the Father in prayer, for our good! O, what a Savior! O, what a heart! If you ever question what God may think of you –look at the heart of Jesus!
Have a great week!
Pastor Jim
Heaven; Home of the Righteous
07/08/11 22:37
Jesus has
compared the Kingdom of Heaven to a great net that
was let down into the waters for a catch of fish.
When the net was pulled up there were all sorts of
fish caught within the meshing of the net, some good
and some bad. When the net was full, the fishermen
pulled the net ashore and separated the good from the
bad. The good were kept in baskets while the bad were
thrown away.
He said that this is how it will be at the end of the age; the angels will come and separate the righteous from the unrighteous. The unrighteous will be thrown into hell, where there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth. The righteous will be gathered to enjoy the blessedness of heaven. The promise here is that when all is said and done, the righteous will live forever without any hindrances whatsoever, from the ungodly.
For now, we are hard pressed from every side, from the spiritual hierarchy, man and even creation itself. It is no wonder that Peter encourages us with the warning that it is hard for the righteous to be saved. Yet, he tells us to commit ourselves to the faithful Creator, because after we have suffered for a little while, God will give us the kingdom!
The faith that we are now exhibiting is actually kept in heaven for the time being! Isn’t that amazing? Let me prove this to you; the faith that Paul had while he was living here on earth, benefited those that were living during that day. Well, Paul went on to be with the Lord, yet his faith is still benefiting us today! Paul’s faith didn’t die with him; it still is working today (and for all those years prior to today) to bring about the kingdom of Jesus Christ.
So, what about you and I; what manner of faith do we possess? And should we pass on before the Lord’s coming, how will the faith we exhibit today affect those after us? What sort of fish are we? Are we keepers, or will we be discarded out into the darkness. I am not much of a fisherman, and yet I know when I see a good fish or not. I don’t know about you, but I want my life to matter for something. I want God to say of me, like He said of David, “He served God’s purpose, for his generation.”
When we get to heaven, will there be cities for us to rule? Do you remember that those who put the talents to good use were told, “Well done, My good and faithful servant. Because you were faithful with a few things, I will put you in charge of many things. Come and enjoy your Master’s happiness.” O, blessed Day! To receive the goal of this faith, the salvation of our souls!
And yet, we only see through a glass darkly, we only know in part. What blessedness there will be to experience the happiness of our Lord –and that- without any encumbrances! There will be no temptations, no testing or trials and everywhere you look, the righteous will be fully satisfied and the glory of the Lord will shine upon them!
And if that were not enough, there is one more promise that far out weighs them all. We will see the Lord! We will behold our Holy God! We will embrace the Savior! We shall fully know Him even as we are now fully known. There will be no need for questions –He will fill our every need, every curiosity, every longing and every desire. We shall rule and reign with God. God will live with us and we with Him and never, ever, shall we be separated!
Never alone, never hurting because of an unfulfilled longing, or a tragedy beyond our control. Never again, will you and I worry about troubles that the morrow might bring –for the morrow will never come –it shall always be Today! O, blessed Day! Come quickly O Son of Man. Come and rescue our hearts once and for all!
Have a great week!
Pastor Jim
He said that this is how it will be at the end of the age; the angels will come and separate the righteous from the unrighteous. The unrighteous will be thrown into hell, where there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth. The righteous will be gathered to enjoy the blessedness of heaven. The promise here is that when all is said and done, the righteous will live forever without any hindrances whatsoever, from the ungodly.
For now, we are hard pressed from every side, from the spiritual hierarchy, man and even creation itself. It is no wonder that Peter encourages us with the warning that it is hard for the righteous to be saved. Yet, he tells us to commit ourselves to the faithful Creator, because after we have suffered for a little while, God will give us the kingdom!
The faith that we are now exhibiting is actually kept in heaven for the time being! Isn’t that amazing? Let me prove this to you; the faith that Paul had while he was living here on earth, benefited those that were living during that day. Well, Paul went on to be with the Lord, yet his faith is still benefiting us today! Paul’s faith didn’t die with him; it still is working today (and for all those years prior to today) to bring about the kingdom of Jesus Christ.
So, what about you and I; what manner of faith do we possess? And should we pass on before the Lord’s coming, how will the faith we exhibit today affect those after us? What sort of fish are we? Are we keepers, or will we be discarded out into the darkness. I am not much of a fisherman, and yet I know when I see a good fish or not. I don’t know about you, but I want my life to matter for something. I want God to say of me, like He said of David, “He served God’s purpose, for his generation.”
When we get to heaven, will there be cities for us to rule? Do you remember that those who put the talents to good use were told, “Well done, My good and faithful servant. Because you were faithful with a few things, I will put you in charge of many things. Come and enjoy your Master’s happiness.” O, blessed Day! To receive the goal of this faith, the salvation of our souls!
And yet, we only see through a glass darkly, we only know in part. What blessedness there will be to experience the happiness of our Lord –and that- without any encumbrances! There will be no temptations, no testing or trials and everywhere you look, the righteous will be fully satisfied and the glory of the Lord will shine upon them!
And if that were not enough, there is one more promise that far out weighs them all. We will see the Lord! We will behold our Holy God! We will embrace the Savior! We shall fully know Him even as we are now fully known. There will be no need for questions –He will fill our every need, every curiosity, every longing and every desire. We shall rule and reign with God. God will live with us and we with Him and never, ever, shall we be separated!
Never alone, never hurting because of an unfulfilled longing, or a tragedy beyond our control. Never again, will you and I worry about troubles that the morrow might bring –for the morrow will never come –it shall always be Today! O, blessed Day! Come quickly O Son of Man. Come and rescue our hearts once and for all!
Have a great week!
Pastor Jim